BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm leaving in 2 days for SE Asia, India, Dubai, Egypt, Ghana, and Morocco. Staying in hostels.

I have a 40L top-loading bag, and simply put, there's no way to lock it. I know the retractable lock idea, but it's pretty awkward. Is it okay to have no way to lock your bag? I can close the drawstring, but anyone can open it. Is that asking for disaster?

PacSafes seem too bulky and silly. Obviously I'll keep my passport, money, and camera on my person. Can I just trust my fellow travellers?

-Jake

I have never locked my backpack. There really is no point to it anyhow, because it would be quicker to slice it than open it 'properly' anyhow. If they want it, they'll take it. Locked or not.

As for PacSafes, that thing just yells: "Look at me! There are so many valuables in this backpack, it needed to be locked properly."
If I were a thief - I'd definitely target PacSafes.

Rather than trying to protect your gear, make sure that you only have replaceable stuff in the backpack (cloths, toiletry, etc.), while you can't watch over it. If somebody steals cloths from you, you just replace them (especially in cheap countries like in SEA). Just keep an eye on passport, credit card and money.

I've had opportunistic theft happen to me in the past with my top loader. Ultimately, if the person really wants your bag they can take the whole thing or cut it open. But if you want something that might deter someone not so serious, you can make a lock like I did.

Here's a photo, scroll down to see the metal tie/lock on top of my bag. I did this only the day before I left. I took a piece of steel cable from the hardware store (it will come on a long roll, have an employee cut you a length). I made a loop on either end and used clamps (also from the hardware store) that bind two ends of cable together. Instead of buying the expensive tool to clamp down the ends I took a hammer to it on my driveway. It wasn't pretty but saved me $20. I wrapped thick tape around the ends that stuck out so the ends didn't unravel and poke me.

Basically, it's this, but shorter. You want to make it short so that no one can fit his hand in the opening. Mine was too big, actually, bit it still gave me some peace of mind.

Thanks elAdi and BungleGirl.

I have twine enough to make your contraption, Bungle, which ought to be good enough as a "one glance" deterrent, and will take up zero space.

I know you're also a Chicago kid. I'm leaving tomorrow! Bye bye Chicago. Did my last dive at Shedd today. So sad

So excited!

-Jake

and you're leaving just as the weather's starting to get nice...

I´ve been gone not too long - since april 1 - and use the top loading pack as well. but i put it in this when flying and when in the hostal and lock it: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C...&bmUID=1208304848870

It has been great, esp on buses and planes when you don´t want your straps to get caught or get in the way.